Company Registration in Seychelles
Service Name
Start
Pro
Elite
Company Name Check and Reservation
Company Formation including Government Fees
Company Secretarial Services for the First Year
Incorporation Documents Package
Registered Office Address for 1 Year
Nominee Services for 1 Year
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Corporate Bank Account Opening
–
–
Total Cost
€1250
€2150
€2750
A Comprehensive Guide to Company Registration in Seychelles
The Republic of Seychelles has established itself as a leading international financial center, offering a compelling proposition for global business. Its reputation is built on a modern legal framework, political stability, and a highly efficient company registration process. For entrepreneurs, investors, and corporations seeking a secure, private, and tax-efficient environment, Seychelles company registration presents a top-tier solution.
This detailed guide will walk you through the key advantages, the most popular type of business entity, the step-by-step registration process, and the ongoing requirements for maintaining a company in good standing in Seychelles.
Why Register a Company in Seychelles?
Seychelles’ appeal as a business jurisdiction is multifaceted, combining a strong legal foundation with significant operational and financial benefits.
Tax Exemption: This is the most significant draw. A Seychelles International Business Company (IBC) is exempt from all local taxes, including corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, and stamp duty. This applies to all income generated from business activities conducted outside of Seychelles, making it an ideal vehicle for international trade and holding assets.
Supreme Confidentiality: Seychelles offers a high degree of privacy. The names of the directors and shareholders of an IBC are not required to be filed with the public registry. This information is held by the licensed Registered Agent, ensuring a high level of confidentiality for the beneficial owners.
Operational Flexibility: The International Business Companies Act (2016) is a modern and flexible piece of legislation. It allows for a single person to act as the sole director and shareholder, and there are no requirements for holding annual meetings, simplifying corporate governance.
Speed and Efficiency: The company registration process is renowned for its speed. With the assistance of a professional Registered Agent, a company can often be officially incorporated and have its documents issued within 24 hours. This rapid turnaround is a key advantage for time-sensitive projects.
No Minimum Capital Requirement: There is no minimum authorized capital required to register a company in Seychelles. This makes it accessible and cost-effective for a wide range of business models, from small startups to larger enterprises.
The Seychelles IBC: A Deeper Look
The Seychelles International Business Company (IBC) is the most widely used and flexible corporate vehicle for international business. An IBC is a separate legal entity from its owners, providing limited liability protection. This means the shareholders’ personal assets are protected from the company’s debts and liabilities.
Key Structural Components:
Directors and Shareholders: A Seychelles IBC must have a minimum of one director and one shareholder. This allows for a small, efficient management team. The directors’ names are not a matter of public record, providing a high degree of transparency, while the beneficial owner remains confidential.
Authorized Capital: The common authorized capital is a nominal amount that does not need to be paid up or deposited in a bank. The capital can be divided into shares, which can have a par value or no par value. This flexibility makes it easy to issue shares to new partners or investors without needing to change the Memorandum of Association.
Legal Flexibility: The Seychelles IBC Act allows for a wide range of corporate actions without requiring a public filing. For example, changes to share structure, capital, or internal bylaws can often be handled internally, simplifying administrative processes.
The Company Registration Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of registering a company in Seychelles is straightforward and must be conducted through a licensed Registered Agent. This professional is your mandatory local representative.
Choose a Licensed Registered Agent: The first and most critical step is to select a reputable service provider. They will be responsible for handling the entire registration process and ensuring your company’s ongoing compliance.
Select a Company Name: The proposed name must be unique and not identical to an existing company. It can be in any language but must include a suffix like “Limited,” “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” or their abbreviations (e.g., “Ltd.,” “Corp.,” “Inc.”).
Provide Due Diligence Documents: To comply with international anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations, the Registered Agent will require due diligence documents from all individuals involved. This typically includes a certified copy of a passport and a recent proof of address (e.g., a utility bill).
Prepare and File the Documents: The Registered Agent will prepare the Memorandum of Association and the Articles of Association. These foundational documents are then filed with the Seychelles International Business Authority (SIBA).
Receive Your Corporate Kit: Once the registration is complete, the Registered Agent will provide you with a full corporate kit containing the Certificate of Incorporation, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and the share certificates.
The Critical Role of the Registered Agent
The Registered Agent is a legally required and critical component of your company’s structure. By law, every Seychelles IBC must appoint a registered agent.
Legal Liaison: The Registered Agent acts as the official legal representative of the company in Seychelles. They receive all official government correspondence, legal notifications, and tax-related documents on behalf of the company.
Record Keeper: The Registered Agent is responsible for maintaining the company’s statutory records, including the Register of Shareholders and the Register of Directors. This is a legal requirement and is crucial for maintaining the company’s good standing.
Due Diligence and Compliance: The Registered Agent plays a key role in ensuring the company complies with international anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. They are the ones who conduct due diligence on the beneficial owners and maintain these confidential records.
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Understanding Due Diligence and Confidentiality
While Seychelles is known for its confidentiality, it’s important to differentiate this from anonymity. Seychelles is committed to combating money laundering and has implemented strict due diligence procedures.
The Due Diligence Process: The Registered Agent is legally obligated to perform due diligence on all individuals involved in the company. This typically requires the submission of a certified copy of a passport, a recent proof of address (e.g., a utility bill), and a bank or professional reference letter. This information is held securely and is not part of the public record.
How Confidentiality is Maintained: The key to Seychelles’ confidentiality is the separation between the public record and the private records. The Seychelles International Business Authority (SIBA) contains the names of the company and the articles of incorporation. The Registered Agent holds the confidential information, including the identity of the beneficial owner and the shareholders. This information is only disclosed to a government authority under a valid court order or official request, in compliance with international legal agreements.
Banking for a Seychelles Company
After formation, a Seychelles company can open a corporate bank account with a local or international bank. The process is subject to the bank’s own due diligence and KYC procedures. Banks will typically require:
Certified corporate documents from the Registrar.
Full due diligence information for all directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners.
A detailed business plan and information on the source of funds.
Your Registered Agent can often assist with preparing the required documentation to facilitate a smoother banking process.
International Reputation and Compliance
Seychelles has made significant strides to enhance its international reputation and compliance with global financial standards. It has entered into numerous Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) and has implemented legislation to comply with standards set by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). These measures ensure that Seychelles is a responsible and transparent jurisdiction, providing a credible and secure platform for international business.
In conclusion, Seychelles offers a modern, efficient, and cost-effective solution for international company registration. Its robust privacy laws and tax-neutral environment, combined with a streamlined process, make it an ideal jurisdiction for a wide range of global business activities.
FAQ
The primary benefit is tax exemption. A Seychelles International Business Company (IBC) is exempt from all local taxes on income generated from business activities conducted outside of Seychelles. This includes corporate tax, income tax, and capital gains tax.
The most popular entity is the Seychelles International Business Company (IBC). It is widely used for international operations due to its flexibility, privacy, and streamlined structure.
No. Seychelles offers a high degree of confidentiality. The names of the directors and shareholders of a Seychelles IBC are not required to be filed with the public registry. This information is held privately by the licensed Registered Agent.
A Seychelles IBC must have a minimum of just one director and one shareholder. The same person can hold both positions, which allows for a very simple and efficient corporate structure.
The process is very fast. With the help of a professional Registered Agent, a company can often be incorporated and its documents issued within 24 hours.
No. For companies that conduct business internationally, there is no requirement for a physical office, local staff, or operational presence in Seychelles. The only mandatory local presence is the appointed Registered Agent.
Yes. A Seychelles IBC can open a corporate bank account in Seychelles or in any other jurisdiction in the world. Be aware that banks have their own strict due diligence (KYC) procedures and will require certified corporate documents and detailed information on all key individuals.
To keep the company in good standing, you must:
Pay a fixed annual government fee.
Maintain a Registered Agent and a registered office in Seychelles.
Ensure proper financial records are kept, though they do not need to be filed publicly.
Yes. Seychelles has made significant efforts to enhance its international reputation and comply with global financial standards. It has entered into numerous tax information exchange agreements and is a member of the OECD's Global Forum on Transparency. It is recognized as a responsible and credible jurisdiction.
This is the modern piece of legislation that governs Seychelles IBCs. It is designed to provide a flexible and business-friendly legal framework, simplifying corporate governance and ensuring high levels of privacy and efficiency for international companies.
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